Minute Message: 'God's Desire - Your Purpose'

THAT THE WORLD MAY KNOW: The Gospel According To Luke 'God's Purpose - Your Desire' Luke 5.12-16

Silence.

Its an experience most of us would rather avoid. Especially in God's presence. Silence before God is actually a very scary prospect.

All four Gospels reveal Jesus' proclivity to get away from the maddening crowds to spend time alone with God in prayer. Luke shines a brighter light on it, though. At least 5 times Luke refers to Jesus looking to get alone or with no one else other than the disciples to pray. Luke's most dramatic description of one of these moments is Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane.

Why would Jesus desire to spend so much time alone with God in prayer?

For some of the same reasons we would rather avoid it. Jesus wanted - needed, even - to have a constant awareness of God's presence in His life and an ongoing clarification of His life's purpose. If disciplining Himself to pursue time alone with God was so important to Jesus, shouldn't it be to us?

Of course. But let's be honest. Spending time alone with God, especially in silence, can be frightening. God may actually speak to us. The Holy Spirit may convict us. We may discover just how big God is, how different His purpose is for us, how deep His love runs.

I know many Believers, including myself, that when we do carve out time to spend alone with God we are anything but silent. We fill the quietness with supplications, thanksgivings, praise, singing - sound. All of that is good. Yet in our rush to make noise we never give God the chance to speak or our hearts to listen. From our sinful human perspective we have convinced ourselves that silence abhors itself and so must constantly be broken. But there is peace in silence, and rest, and time, and wisdom, and revelation, and God.

One of God's greatest desires is to spend time alone with you. It is in that relationship that He delights in revealing Himself to you and His purposes for you. So go be still and know that He is your God and what His purpose is for your life.

Yet Jesus often withdrew to deserted places and prayed. - Luke 5.16

So should we. Quietly yours, Lee

'The Link Between Evolution And Media Hype'

(An excellent follow up to this.)

From Casey Luskin at Salvomag.com:

'The study of human origins thus exemplifies a field in which scientific objectivity can be overshadowed by the modern-day equivalent of ancestor worship.

The lesson is simple: Maintain a healthy skepticism regarding media hype over “missing links.” Anyone who believes the hype that we’ve found the “missing link” has either forgotten history or isn’t looking very carefully at the evidence.'

To read the whole article on missing links and media hype, go here.

“Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell me, if you know so much.

Who determined its dimensions and stretched out the surveying line?

What supports its foundations, and who laid its cornerstone

as the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy?" - Job 38.4-7

(The picture with this post is of Ida, originally purported to be a missing link, but later proved to be little more than another fossil discovery.)

'Seeing God In Honduras: The Presence Of The Holy Spirit'

(A follow up and conclusion to these.)

One day as these men were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Dedicate Barnabas and Saul for the special work to which I have called them.” ³ So after more fasting and prayer, the men laid their hands on them and sent them on their way. ⁴ So Barnabas and Saul were sent out by the Holy Spirit . . . - Acts 13.2-4

My primary responsibility while on our mission trip to Honduras was to spend time with local pastors. They represented various denominations and faith traditions. Some pastored churches in town, some in the surrounding villages, and some pastored churches in remote areas in the surrounding mountains.

For three mornings I led a 'pastors' conference' where the men and one woman met with me in a centrally located church. For me the event was less a training conference than an opportunity to encourage my fellow pastors in their work. I discovered that they had very few chances to meet together for fellowship and prayer, so for them (and for me) our time together proved very beneficial.

I recognize that in situations like this it can be very tempting for the visiting Americano pastor to assume a role of privilege and authority so that he may bless his listeners with the benefit of his knowledge and experience. I was quickly delivered from that temptation when I learned what my fellow pastors endured for their ministry in Honduras: homes and church buildings without electricity and running water; church members suffering from abject poverty; daunting transportation issues that prevented some pastors from attending more than one of our meetings . . . Yet, to a person, every pastor in attendance seemed intent on ministering to me during our time together. God worked through those pastors to share a great blessing on me which culminated at the conclusion of our last session.

As Henry, the translator, and I finished our last meeting, Henry and the pastors began a conversation in Spanish which was their habit at the end of every meeting. The pastors had listened politely to what I had to say through Henry then would discuss what they heard in their own language without having to wait to translate everything into English. As the discussion continued I sat down and 'listened' to their conversation, having no idea what they were saying. Later, Henry began translating to me what the pastors were saying. They had finished their discussion on the topic of the morning and had begun to thank me for being their teacher for the week. Each pastor spoke a word of appreciation and encouragement to me personally. Twenty+ pastors attended the last session so it soon became an overwhelmingly emotional moment for me as one by one they expressed their gratitude.

Then as we were ready to conclude our time together, one of the pastors asked if Henry and I would sit down so that the pastors could surround us to lay hands on us and pray for us. Unlike in the United States where each pastor would pray individually in turn, these pastors 'just let 'er rip.' They all prayed at once, one seemingly praying louder than the other. Since they all prayed in Spanish, I had know idea what they were saying. But I knew exactly to Whom they prayed. As I was moved to tears, surrounded by my brothers in Christ as they touched me and prayed for me, I felt an unmistakable moving of the Holy Spirit in my heart. For a time I felt as if I was being physically lifted off my chair into God's presence. It was one of the most powerful and spiritually infilling moments I've ever experienced.

I believe that in that moment, and in other moments that we had while in Honduras, God gave me a glimpse into the way the Holy Spirit so powerfully moved in the early church. And He encouraged me to remember that His Spirit is still available to empower His people to do His work wherever and whenever we submit ourselves to Him. Our trip to Honduras was more a mission of God to my heart than it was for us to another country.

I thank God for my brothers and sisters in Honduras, and I pray that one day the Spirit will let me return to that beautiful country and those beautiful people. Yours, Lee

(The picture 'gracing' this post is of yours truly standing in the house that our team built while in Honduras.)

'Ouch.'

From Despair, Inc.

(Bl)update: December 2009

Merry Christmas! Only 23 more days to help resuscitate the U.S. economy! Go spend more now!

Blogroll: Wade Burleson at Grace and Truth to You has morphed his emphasis away from his bird-dogging of the Southern Baptist Convention (although not completely), yet his blog continues to captivate. Stuff Christian Culture Likes has now been absorbed by the Borg - er, Beliefnet. So far there doesn't seem to be any editorial censoring. Stuff Christians Like recently showed the power of the internet to do good: In less than two months, Jonathan Acuff has almost raised enough money to build two (!) kindgergartens in Viet Nam.

Captivating links: I've added the website of a two10five favorite artist, Mark Lawrence. His art work is inpspired by various Bible verses, and the way he generates his art work is truly fascinating.

A European football update: Mighty, mighty Ayr United FC - a.k.a, The Honest Men - have moved from last in their league to - wait for it - wait for it - next to last! May I humbly point out that their improvement has occurred since two10five has become a fan? Coincidence? To be honest, I think not. Currently, I am considering which team to root for in the Scottish Premier League. Any suggestions for who deserves a fan that would immediately improve a side's prospects?

The Irish national team got robbed and deserves a place in the 2010 World Cup.

I am pleased to announce that 'fiver podcasting is back to normal. You can find me at the church website, the podcasting website, and on iTunes. Just follow the various links found all over the blog.

The November '09 'fiver visitor awards:

Record visits from one location for one month (a.k.a. the 'There's just not enough to do in this town') award: Fitzgerald, Georgia with 31 visits.

State with the most first-time visiting cities: Florida, with four.

First-time International visitors: Lanus, Argentina; Hong Kong; Riga, Latvia; and Bratislava, Slovakia.

The International Peacekeeping Request award goes to: Brest and Le Plessis, first time visiting cities from France - hey, please offer to replay Ireland for a place in the 2010 World Cup! And keep your hands to yourself.

Visitors from the United Kingdom have been so consistent, two10five is awarding a special UK category for November:

Favorite new visiting city name: Kingston Upon Thames.

Most visits so far this year: Glasgow, with 6.

City with the name that would sound most impressive in an academic environment: Cambridge.

Coming in the January '10 (bl)update: The 'fiver annual visitor awards, '09 edition. You still have a whole month to earn what you deserve. Cash bribes are accepted, and greatly appreciated.

One sentence rant: I recently took my automobile for service where the mechanic recommended repairs estimated to have cost more than $450 which I took care of myself, with the help of a friend, for less than $50. (That made me want to rant for more than one sentence.)

Chuck Norris' tears can cure any disease. But Chuck Norris never cries.

Recently spotted Santa Fe bumper sticker: 'We are here to awaken from the illusion of our seperateness.' (Dang. I was looking forward to a good nap.)

Yours for a small fee, Lee

(The picture gracing this post is 'And the wind blows in Alsace, France.' The way the French behave on the pitch blows, too.)

Minute Message: 'Maybe This Message Isn't For You'

THAT THE WORLD MAY KNOW: The Gospel According To Luke 'Maybe This Message Isn't For You' Luke 4.16-21

(The art gracing this post is 'The LORD Has Anointed Me,' by Mark Lawrence, a two10five favorite.)

I was recently asked how I develop my sermons. For the first seven+ years of my pastoral ministry I can't remember anyone asking me that question. Since I've been in Santa Fe I get that question (or questions similar to it) once or twice a year. I know that's still not very often, but its significant to me that the people I serve here have at least some curiosity about my creative process.

Which brings me to the title of this message. I don't think I made it very clear in the spoken message why I felt inspired to give it this title.

According to the context of Luke 4.16-21, Jesus had just completed His desert temptation experience. As He was beginning His public ministry, 'as usual, He entered the synagogue on the Sabbath day.' I think its important to remember that during His time on earth Jesus regularly gathered for worship with God's people. But that's another sermon. As Jesus was honored with the responsibility to publicly read the Scripture, He read from Isaiah 61.1-3, then proclaimed, 'Today as you listen, this Scripture has been fulfilled.'

By that I believe He meant that He is the Anointed One who came to preach the good news to the poor, to proclaim recovery of sight to the blind, and to set free the oppressed and captivated. Jesus identified Himself as the fulfillment of the First Covenant Messianic prophecies and as the Savior of the world, a primary theme that runs throughout Luke/Acts.

But what I mean by the title of the message is this: maybe this message isn't for you. Maybe you don't identify yourself as poor (either economically disadvantaged or spiritually bankrupt); maybe you don't see yourself as blind (either physically or in your heart); maybe you don't recognize yourself imprisoned by a foreign occupying force or by the terrorism of your own sins. If you don't, then you don't need Jesus. If you don't need Jesus, then you don't need to listen to His message. So maybe this message isn't for you. Luke makes it quite clear that countless people who heard Jesus in the flesh believed that His message wasn't for them, either, so you wouldn't be alone in turning a deaf hear to what Jesus said. That's the inspiration for the title of this sermon.

But maybe you recognize your spiritual poverty. Maybe you're helpless in your spiritual blindness, not knowing how to find your way out to salvation. Maybe you recognize the chains that bind you, keeping you from the freedom and joy that is God's desire for you. If so, then today, listen to Jesus. He has come to give you good news, to open your eyes, and to see you free.

Hoping this message is for you, Lee

'two10five is great, two10five is great, two10five is great'

'Pearls Before Swine' by Stephan Pastis

'Happy Thanksgiving'

I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart; I will tell of all Thy wonders.

I will be glad and exult in Thee; I will sing praise to Thy name, O Most High. - Psalm 9.1-2

And in that day you will say, "Give thanks to the LORD, call on His name. Make known His deeds among the peoples; make them remember that His name is exalted." - Isaiah 12.4

For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God, or give thanks; but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. - Romans 12.1

Rejoice always;

pray without ceasing;

in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. - 1 Thessalonians 5.16-18

Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name. - Hebrews 13.15

To the two10five readers, the First Family, the Herring family, and all who I'm honored to call friends: I thank God for you! Happy Thanksgiving, Lee

(The art gracing this post is 'Thanksgiving' by Norman Rockwell, a two10five favorite.)

Minute Message: 'Oh. That's It?'

THAT THE WORLD MAY KNOW: The Gospel According To Luke 'Oh. That's It?' Luke 3.10-14

'What then should we do?'

Now there's a western Christian, American Evangelical question if there ever was one.

'What then should we do?' How much money should we donate? How many Bible studies should I attend? What committee should I volunteer for? What work should I perform? What should I do to prove I'm in God's good graces? How complicated can I make the Christian life?

'What then should we do?' But this question was not asked by an American Evangelical. According to Luke, in a conversation with John the Baptist it was asked by 'the crowds' that came to hear him. John's first response: Share. You're not required to sell all you have, give to the poor, move to the desert and don camel hair and eat bugs (thank God). Simply share from what you have with those who don't have.

'What should we do?' then asked the tax collectors. John's response: Don't collect more than legally allowed. You're not required to rebel against the government and pay back all you've extorted. Simply follow the rules of your job.

'What should we do?' then asked the soldiers, who would most likely be seen by the locals as representing a sadistic, oppressive government enforcing the laws and culture on a repressed people group. Instead of demanding they desert the army, renounce their allegiance, and serve the Jews, John answered: Don't take money from anyone by force, and be satisfied with your wages. Simply be content with what you have.

You don't work to get saved. You work because you are saved. Since you have a right relationship with God through faith in Jesus, what should you do?

Simply share from what you have with those who don't have, follow the rules, and be content with what you have.

Yep. That's it. Simply yours, Lee

(The picture gracing this post is of Giovanni Francesco Rustici's 'St. John the Baptist,' early 16th century.)

'Move Over, Spiderman'

R. Crumb has produced a biblical graphic novel. Here's an assessment from Ben Witherington @ beliefnet and Belinda Luscombe @ Time magazine.

Maybe this could get some Baptists to actually read the Bible.

(The picture gracing this post is the cover of R. Crumb's illustrated book of Genesis.)

'Seeing God In Honduras: The Gift Of Laughter'

(A follow up to this.)

Having participated in numerous church trips, both the 'out-of-town' and 'out-of-the-country' varieties, I've learned to appreciate the esprit de corps that is so vital to a successful trip. A lousy team chemistry can ruin a trip as soon as it starts. On the contrary, a group that quickly learns the importance of sharing unconditional grace and humor can overcome almost any obstacle they encounter. The group I traveled with to Honduras was one of the most gracious and quick to laugh groups with whom I've served. For example:

The hotel restaurant where we ate all of our meals had a covered porch that extended around two sides of the dining area. The porch ceiling was white which helped to attract bugs at night. On the next to last night of our trip I was sitting on the porch. I happened to glance up and noticed a gecko feasting on the evening insect smorgasbord. After a few moments I realized that the entire porch ceiling was covered with the green lizards filling their bug quotient. I loudly commented to my fellow travelers, 'Hey! Do y'all see all the geckos? They're everywhere!' To which I received the reply, 'You're just now noticing those, pastor? We all saw them the first night we were here.' The next morning after breakfast I ventured onto the porch to watch the geckos which had completely disappeared. As our team leader came outside I asked him with genuine curiosity, 'Hey John, where do you think all the geckos went?' 'They all went to sell insurance,' John said.

One night a team member preached his very first sermon to a Honduran congregation. Bruce was assigned a beautifully competent translator, a native Honduran who spoke better English than most of us. Bruce shared his personal testimony as part of his message. Along the way his translator kept perfect pace, sharing Bruce's story in Spanish. At one point, in describing his early life, Bruce admitted that he had been an angry young man 'with a chip on my shoulder.' At that, his translator came to a dead stop. In her silence she turned and looked at Bruce. Realizing her confusion, Bruce responded as most Americans do. He repeated the phrase, only louder: 'I HAD A CHIP ON MY SHOULDER.' Quietly but firmly the translator said, 'That won't translate.'

Henry was one of our Honduran hosts. As we were preparing to leave the hotel on our final day everyone with a camera wanted the requisite end of the week group photos. Henry was glad to oblige as he was handed about ten cameras to use. His way of getting us to laugh and smile for the endless photos? He would aim the camera and say, 'Uno, dos, tres, queso!' (One, two, three, cheese!)

Much to our chagrin we discovered that we left the Honduran airport with a suitcase that belonged to an airline employee. By the time we discovered the mistake it was too late to return the bag until the end of the week. As we were deciding who to blame for the mistake so that the airline would only threaten to hold one of us from returning to the U.S., Don, our host missionary, said he'd take care of it. His plan was to inform the airline that he had 'found' the bag and to ask for a reward.

Kathryn, a team member who has extensive world travel experience, commented on our flight to Honduras that one of her favorite things to do in another country is to eat the local cuisine. She believes that's one of the best ways to learn about another culture. The first place we ate in Honduras? The Wendy's at the airport. Tasted just like home.

By the end of the week I was referring to Bruce as my 'twin brother from another mother.' Bruce is several inches taller and wider than me. And he's black.

Yours for the laughter inherent in doing God's work, Lee

He will yet fill your mouth with laughter, and your lips with shouting. - Job 8.21

Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with joyful shouting; then they said among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them." - Psalm 126.2

Go then, eat your bread in happiness, and drink your wine with a cheerful heart; for God has already approved your works. - Ecclesiastes 9.7

(The picture gracing this post is of my team member and roommate, Pierre Grand, at the airport in Houston, TX. He would introduce himself to the Hondurans as 'Pedro Grande.')

'Walking On The Moon'

Beware the 'Me' monster.

Minute Message: 'God's Glory For His People'

THAT THE WORLD MAY KNOW: The Gospel According To Luke 'God's Glory For His People' Luke 2.25-35

(The art gracing this post is 'Simeon and Jesus in the Temple,' a drawing by Rembrandt van Rijn, 1606-1669.)

Why do we assume that Simeon was old? Nowhere does Luke mention his age. Luke describes Simeon as righteous and devout. Luke mentions that the Holy Spirit was on Simeon, that he had received a revelation from the Holy Spirit, and that he was guided by the Spirit. Luke tells us that Simeon had received a promise from God, a promise that Simeon expected to be fulfilled before his death. No where does Luke make reference to Simeon's age.

Luke's emphasis is not on Simeon's age. Instead, the emphasis is on the spiritual expectation of a man who was looking for Israel's consolation. When Simeon encountered the infant Jesus, his expectation was met. God's promise to him was fulfilled. In Jesus Simeon saw the world's salvation.

But other people had seen this Baby too. We know about the shepherds' encounter with the Infant the night of His birth and how they responded. But others saw Jesus too. There are very few attractions equal to that of a newborn. Surely wherever Mary and Joseph carried their Child they demanded attention from adults, children, curious onlookers, people who love to look at a baby. But not everyone saw what Simeon saw. Not everyone was expecting God to keep a promise. Not everyone was hoping for the world's salvation.

So many people still don't see Jesus. They can hear the same message, read the same scripture, witness the same miracle. Yet they won't see Jesus. Why? Maybe they've had too many expectations fall short. Maybe they've had too many promises broken. Maybe they've looked for salvation in too many places and haven't found it. So many people still don't see Jesus.

But God is still keeping His promises. God is still fulfilling expectations. God is still revealing salvation to those who look to Him for it. The Holy Spirit is still guiding expectant searchers to God's glory for His people.

That glory - and your salvation - is Jesus Christ. Expect God to keep His promise in Jesus and you will not be disappointed. Yours, Lee

'There Ought To Be An Award For Masterpieces Like This.'

A cinematic classic to which my offspring were recently introduced. I won't say by who.

'Maybe The Mayans Just Ran Out Of Ink'

Several people I know, including members of the church I serve, have expressed interest (and concern) about the supposed Mayan calendar prediction of the the end of the world. In response, here are some excerpts from an excellent article printed in the Albuquerque Journal, November 10, 2009, page A1:

'In reality, the ancient Mayans left no indication what might happen at the end of the calendar cycle. Neither do contemporary Mayans familiar with the calendar (University of New Mexico professor of anthropology Keith Prufer) says. The end-of-the-world omens "are largely the territory of doomsday prophets and Hollywood, which has latched on to this because its a good story."

'(Nationally known biblical scholar Mark Hitchcock), author of "2012: The Bible and the End of the World," says the majority of doomsday prophets are secular New Agers, some of whom incorporate the mythology of extraterrestrial visitation. The ones he most objects to are those who select specific biblical passages as a way to validate their 2012 hypotheses.

'"They cherry-pick passages they say fit in with 2012, but they reject the overall message of the Bible," said Hitchcock, a pastor and author of 20 books on the End Time prophecy. He points to passages that refer to the sun burning the Earth, the sky splitting apart, mountains rolling up, the Earth shaking, a great wind blowing across the land, tribulation and darkness. In the hands of New Agers, some of that narrative takes on a 2012 apocalyptic spin, "which is just wrong," Hitchcock says. "Even a clock that doesn't work is right twice a day."'

"But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone." - Matthew 24.36

(Bl)update: November 2009

Happy Holidays! Only 43 more shopping days left! And don't forget, you can always give two10five gift certificates! The Christmas gift everyone loves to give! Details below!

Since the October (bl)update appeared so late last month, this will be quick and to the point. Thanks to the suggestion of my good friend Ed at Sincere Ignorance and Conscientious Stupidity, I am now a fan of Ayr United FC, whose homepage link has now been captivated. I look forward to 'representin'' the Honest Men here in New Mexico. (I know I'm new to this, and who am I to make any critiques of a Scottish football club that can trace its roots to 1879, but . . . do these kits look like prison uniforms to you, too?)

I still cannot upload my podcasts directly to the fbcsantafe website, but you will find a link there to podomatic. Or you can click on the link under 2ten5 podcasts and it will take you directly to podomatic, too. Thanks to those who listen! (However, I still think my Minute Message re-caps are consistently better than my preached sermons. Perhaps I should write them first, then preach later.)

The 'fiver October visitor awards:

First-time Internationalists: Fussach, Austria; Poncin, France; Athens, Greece; Makati, Philippines; and the visitor two10five would most like to visit in return personally: Basseterre, Saint Kitts/Saint Nevis.

Favorite visitor name for the month: Treorchy, United Kingdom.

Stateside visiting cities well on their way to platinum status: Lexington, Kentucky with more than 50 visits through 10 months; and Albuquerque, New Mexico with more than 40.

State on the 'fiver 'Wish They'd Drop By List:' Hawai'i. If you know anybody there, send them a link and tell them to visit. Aloha!

two10five gift certificates are a great holiday gift idea! Just send any amount of cash (please, no coins) to two10five and you'll be amazed at how good you'll feel! You can trust two10five to use your donations for quality merchandise purchases only! Void where prohibited.

One sentence rant: The local Santa Fe paper is lamenting the lack of new construction projects in the city and how that negatively affects our local economy, while our request for approval for our new church parking lot project sits on someone's desk at the city office for more than 3 months with no response. Welcome to Santa Fe.

Chuck Norris counted to infinity. Twice.

Recently spotted Santa Fe bumper sticker: 'What Would Scooby Do?'

Honored to be your source for quality two10five purchases, Lee

(The logo gracing this post is of the mighty mighty Ayr United Football Club.)

'Get The Joint Jumpin'!'

The Holy Ghost, Big Bang Theory, Pentecostal, Fire And Brimstone Mission Temple Fireworks Stand.

The next church I hope to pastor.

Minute Message: 'A Traditional Faith, A Living Truth'

THAT THE WORLD MAY KNOW: The Gospel According To Luke 'A Traditional Faith, A Living Truth' Luke 1.1-4

Luke speaks to your closet apologist in this passage.

You know. Your closet apologist. That little voice inside you that always wants to have the just right thing to say at just the right time to that loud mouth atheist at the office who is always able to recall the latest History Channel 'facts' about how the Bible can't be true. But the best comeback you can muster at the end of the debate is, 'Well, its just a matter of faith anyway.'

Yeah. And so is Santa Claus.

Then you read something like this: 'Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.'

An orderly account. That I may have assurance of the facts. That have been taught for two millenia. Orderly facts that were being taught as truth in less than a full generation after Jesus' death and resurrection. All based on eyewitness accounts, as Luke claims in v2. That give evidence of prophecies that were declared centuries before, as Luke alludes to in v1. Your closet apologist is hyperventilating. Surely, finally, here is one of the best defenses you can offer to the History Channel atheist at the next water cooler debate about what those annoying Jesus Seminarians had to deny about your Savior.

But wait. Before you unleash the apologist from the closet in all his factual glory, remember this: it all comes down to faith, anyway.

Not just faith. Believing in Jesus is far different than believing in Santa Claus, after all. There are facts, historically proven time and again by legitimate Christian and non-Christian historians, archaeologists, researchers, etc. Luke does an excellent job of laying out the facts about the life of Jesus who came to offer salvation to the world. But if you're not careful, in the end that's all you'll have: facts. Yes, they've been taught as truth for thousands of years, but facts don't save. They can point. They can verify. They can support. They can prove. Sometimes they can even win. But they don't save.

That's what Jesus does. In the end, your co-working atheist - and you - have to make a decision about the facts of Jesus. Is that all they are? Facts? If so, then hand in your quiz, get your grade, and go home. But if those facts lead you to the truth that Jesus Christ is your only hope of salvation; and if you choose to believe in Him as your Savior, then abandon yourself to the Christ, get His grace, and welcome home!

Facts are facts. But faith in Jesus is salvation. Yours, Lee

'Quiver Full Of Holes'

'The notion that anyone "prevents" God from naming the number of kids a family has is anti-biblical, anti-logical, and anti-God at its core. Contraception no more "prevents" God from creating a baby who "could have cured AIDS" or "been the President of the United States," etc. than a man shouting at the sun can keep it from shining. God ordains the creation of each human soul, and nobody prevents Him from accomplishing His plans. The sheath of a condom, or the dissolution of a pill, is no more an obstacle to God in the creation of a human being than the lack of matter was an obstacle to God in creating the universe.'

To read all of Wade Burleson's excellent post on patriarchy and Quiverfull Theology, go here.